Lead Poisoning Definition Toughened by CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced last week that it is lowering the standard for what is considered lead poisoning in children.

The new standard defines lead poisoning as 5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood for those under the age of six, according to The Los Angeles Times. The old standard had defined lead poisoning as 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood.

High levels of lead in the blood of developing children can cause comas, while lower amounts can lead to lower IQs, according to the CDC. Up to 225,000 children currently are classified as having high levels of lead. The new definition could raise the number of qualified cases to as many as 450,000.

The last time the CDC raised the lead poisoning standard was in 1991, and the CDC plans to re-evaluate the standard every four years, according to the Times.

If you think your child has experienced lead poisoning from an unsafe product, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation. A product liability lawyer may be able to help you. Call us today at 800-581-6358.

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